By E. B. P.

NOW THE Coming of our Lord is as that of the Ruler who sent forth his servants to make clear a path before his footsteps.

And behold, when he had sent them forth, each to his portion thereof, some of them did according to their own wills.

Some of them dug holes in the road and made traps there for the feet of the unwary. Others scattered stones and all manner of obstacles and sharp nails in the path, that men might hurt their feet grievously. Yet again, others made diverse paths leading away from the straight road as planned by their Master, so that men might stray therefrom.

And still others threw away their tools, put on a high manner, and went forth among men, crying aloud, “Make way for me, for I am he whom you are looking for.”—And they deceived many.

But among the servants whom the Master sent forth, there were some who went each to his portion. They removed the stones from the path, they swept it where it was littered, they filled the holes, and made the path smooth for the coming of their Lord.

And they cried, “Watch you, for the Master cometh at a time when no man expected or knoweth. Look for him, for we prepare the way for him. He will surely come and judge your cause as he hath said.”

Now, after these things had come to pass, the Master came with a host of his lords, and when he saw that which his false and unfaithful servants had done, how some had done evil to the road and others had done nothing, he was greatly angered and sent his officers to bind them, saying, “Lash them with many stripes, every man according to his evil work, and throw them into prison to be judged where each shall suffer according to his deserts.

“But as for the faithful servants who have done their work well, they have pleased me greatly. Take these men and give them clean raiment, and set them in high offices; for he who is faithful in humble tasks is worthy of the greater and shall be made lord of many things.”

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